Bog owners in tense wait over right to cut turf
Farmers with turbary rights are waiting anxiously for news of an extension to turf cutting on bogs that were designated Special Areas of Conservation (SAC).
A major push is underway to persuade Minister for the Environment John Gormley to allow an extension of turf cutting on 33 SAC bogs for 2009.
IFA SAC chairman Michael Silke said that the decision by the minister was inevitable, given the very strong reaction of bog owners to the planned restrictions on turf cutting this year.
Mr Silke said the confirmation of the extension of turf cutting on bogs designated in 1999, with a year extension to the 10-year derogation is a step in the right direction.
"However, IFA is strongly of the view that turf cutting for domestic purposes must continue to be allowed on designated bogs as no damage is caused to the 34,000ha of bog involved.
"Farmers who depend on turf for fuel must not be discriminated against," he said.
- Caitriona Murphy
